PIC 800 - Duroc

Our Duroc-line offers clients a unique opportunity to enter niche markets focused on heritage breeds, where the emphasis is on marketing high-quality, distinctive products. The Duroc breed has long been associated with marbling, a trait that has been highly valued by beef promoters due to its visual appeal and perceived impact on eating quality. However, our team of applied meat scientists has conducted extensive research on global trends in pork meat consumption and has found that the relationship between marbling and pork quality is more complex than previously thought. While marbling may be an important factor in beef quality, due to the higher collagen content and older muscle fibers at the point of slaughter, our research suggests that pH plays a much more critical role in determining pork quality. Furthermore, we have found that high intramuscular fat content can have negative consequences for feed efficiency, as it requires more energy to produce fat than muscle.

Despite these findings, we recognize that marbling remains a valuable marketing tool, particularly in fully integrated systems where producers can capitalize on consumer perceptions of quality and uniqueness. To support our clients in these efforts, we offer our Duroc-line as a means of differentiating their products and creating a premium brand linked to the heritage breed. By providing producers with the choice to capitalize on the marketing potential of marbling, we enable them to create an offset brand that can command a higher price and attract a loyal customer base. It's worth noting that our approach is not driven by the science behind marbling, but rather by the market demand and consumer perception. We understand that the marketing efforts surrounding marbling can create a premium image and drive value through the pork chain, even if the scientific evidence does not fully support the claims. By offering our Duroc-line, we provide producers with the flexibility to respond to these market trends and create a unique selling proposition that sets them apart from the competition.